Title: Heritage II: Demos/Alternate Takes 1971-1976 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: America, Andrew Gold, Neil Young, David Crosby
Tell me more: Time has been more than kind to the music of America. Recent headlining tours have helped shed a welcome reassessment of the groundbreaking trio (Dan Peek died in 2011, but Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley have carried on with a top-tier touring band). Add to the renewed interest in the band the 2020 release Heritage II: Demos/Alternate Takes 1971-1976, an essential collection of demos, alternate studio takes and live jams captured during the beginning of America's time working with producer Sir George Martin. The evocative lure of "Cornwall Blank," piano-anchored Beckley ballad "Mandy" (a song previously not released), an alternate mix of the hit "Tin Man" with a focus on the backing vocals, and alternate mix of the winning "Simple Life" all add depth to America's legacy. Other highlights include an intimate demo of Beckley's baroque ballad "What Does It Matter," luxurious vocals-and-strings slice of Peek's "You" produced by Martin and engineered by Geoff Emerick, and the Bunnell folk rock original "Amber Cascades." The biggest surprise on the disc may well be the ambitious instrumental jam "Jameroony" featuring Bunnell, Beckley and Peek showcasing their skills on acoustic guitars for more than 12 glorious minutes. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com and venturahighway.com.
Artist: The B-52s
Title: Live At US Festival (Shout! Factory)
You might like if you enjoy: the B-52's, Devo, the US Festival
Tell me more: Thirty-eight years after the B-52s took the stage at the inaugural US Festival in September 1982, the group's fabled appearance – featuring the band's classic era lineup – is available to see via a terrific DVD. The groundbreaking forerunner to Coachella, the US Festival was a music, technology and culture event staged in Glen Helen Regional Park in the Southern California desert in 1982 and again in 1983. The B-52s' performance has long been considered one of the finest of the two-year event and its showcase on the Shout! Factory release delivers on that promise in spades. The B-52s are on fire throughout the performance, fueling a bona fide dance party with one surefire uptempo post-punk New Wave track after another. Led by singer Fred Schneider, singer-percussionist Cindy Wilson, singer-keyboardist Kate Pierson, guitar great Ricky Wilson (who passed away in 1985) and drummer Keith Strickland, the band is also joined by a two-man horn section (sax player Ralph Carney, trumpeter Dave Buck) to further power the dance-minded material in the performance. The fast-moving set includes 13 classic originals including beloved favorites "Party Out Of Bounds," "Planet Claire," "Mesopotamia," "Private Idaho" and "Rock Lobster." There are also interview segments where Schneider, Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson discuss the US Festival performance, Ricky Wilson's contributions, and their enduring career. Information: ShoutFactory.com.
Title: iHeart Radio Theater N.Y.C. 2012 (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
You might like if you enjoy: Rush, Asia, Blue Öyster Cult
Tell me more: Blue Öyster Cult's performance at iHeartRadio Theater in New York City on Dec. 17, 2012 was staged before an intimate setting of 200 fans as part of a special concert in connection with the band's 40th Anniversary and release of a boxset The Columbia Albums Collection. Fortunately the special webcast was also captured by high-res video cameras and state-of-the-art recording equipment for the newly-released iHeart Radio Theater N.Y.C. 2012. The rock quintet (singer-lead guitarist Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser, singer-guitarist Eric Bloom, guitarist-keyboardist Richie Castellano, bassist Kasim Sulton and drummer Jules Radino) opens with the blistering "R U Ready 2 Rock" and never looks back, delivering up powerful and convincing versions of many of the troupe's most beloved originals. Blending progressive and psychedelic rock styles, early highlights include the dynamic "Golden Age of Leather," an extended take on the infectious hit "Burnin' For You" and heavy metal favorite "This Ain't the Summer of Love." Later Blue Öyster Cult escalates the concert's power quotient with the lead guitar-anchored rocker "Shooting Shark," hard rocker "Cities On Flame with Rock and Roll," the enthralling prog rocker "The Vigil," and bona fide rock radio classics "Godzilla" and "(Don't Fear) The Reaper." The band's blend of virtuoso musicianship, creative and full harmonies and unflinching song craft make for a powerful presention across the title. iHeart Radio Theater N.Y.C. 2012 is available via audio CD/DVD, Blu-ray and vinyl formats. Information: BlueOysterCult.com.
Title: London to Vegas (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Def Leppard, Queen
Tell me more: Those who pick up Def Leppard's latest release will see the band in not one but two full-length performances. The first performance, "Hysteria At The O2," finds the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers celebrating their 1987 album Hysteria with a concert set revisiting that multi-platinum album from start to finish before a hometown crowd in London in December 2018. To be sure this is an important outing for the quintet, and the members of Def Leppard (singer Joe Elliott, guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell, bassist Rick "Sav" Savage and drummerRick Allen) offer up powerful arena rock-ready takes of classics including "Love Bites," "Pour Some Sugar On Me," "Animal," "Gods of War" and the rest of Hysteria before delving into other moments in their history for choice cuts including the set-ending "Let's Get Rocked," "Rock of Ages" and "Photograph." The second performance "Hits Vegas" — filmed at Zappos Theater in Planet Hollywood a few months after the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 — features a far-flung set offering some choice deep cuts from the band. The hard-rocking "Die Hard The Hunter," harmonies-drenched "Too Late for Love," ambitious "Billy's Got a Gun" (bolstered by the tandem lead guitar work of Collen and Campbell) and "Paper Sun" as well as the acoustic-styled "Let Me Be The One" and "We Belong" are delivered with power and perfection. The hits are here as well, including terrific runs through "Foolin'," "Bringin' On The Heartbreak," "Rocket," "Action" and "Armageddon It." Bonus features include interviews with all five members of the band discussing the legacy of Hysteria and preparing for the concert events in London and Las Vegas. "London to Vegas" is available as a deluxe 2Blu-ray+4CD, 2DVD+4CD, and via digital formats. Information: eagle-rock.com.
Titles: Morrison Hotel: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Elektra)
You might like if you enjoy: The Doors, classic rock
Tell me more: Back in February 1970, The Doors released what was to be their second-to-last studio album featuring singer Jim Morrison. Now the band's fifth album — Morrison Hotel — is available via a terrific 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition that includes the original album newly remastered by The Doors' longtime engineer and mixer Bruce Botnick, plus a bonus disc of unreleased studio outtakes along with the original album on 180-tram virgin vinyl. There are 19 previously-unreleased studio outtakes providing more than an hour of material that will be new to followers of the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame quartet (Morrison, guitarist Robby Krieger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and drummer John Densmore). Among the must-hear tracks on the reissue are early versions of "Peace Frog" and "Blue Sunday" along with the bona fide rarity "I Will Never Be Untrue." Get this limited edition title while you can. Information: TheDoors.com.
Artist: Bob Dylan
Title: Masked and Anonymous (Shout Select / Shout! Factory)
Tell me more: What do actors Jeff Bridges, Penélope Cruz, John Goodman, Jessica Lange, Luke Wilson, Angela Bassett, Val Kilmer and Bruce Dern have in common? All are among the Hollywood greats who appear alongside legendary Bob Dylan in the genre-defying cult classic "Masked And Anonymous." The essential 2020 Blu-ray edition features the film in high definition and immersive 5.1 audio. Seventeen years after its release, "Masked and Anonymous" remains a groundbreaking and revealing film that works on a myriad of levels. Dylan portrays folk singer-songwriter Jack Fate, a one-time traveling troubadour who is released from jail by his desperate manager to headline an ill-fated benefit concert. The 2003 Larry Charles-directed masterwork ultimately provides a deep appreciation of Dylan's music and mythos amidst a storyline that was far ahead of its time in terms of its look at a nation in decline, the unethical music business, brutal governments and a less-than-objective press. Performing alongside a long parade of acting greats, Dylan is an arresting presence on camera and that palpable on-camera command is enhanced when he performs with his band throughout the movie. In addition to the brilliant feature film, bonus features on the title include a new interview with the director, deleted scenes, a "making of" feature and theatrical trailers. Information: ShoutFactory.com.
Title: Third Stage: Live in London (Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group)
You might like if you enjoy: Asia, Kansas, Steve Morse
Tell me more: Acclaimed prog-rock supergroup Flying Colors issued a wonderful deluxe collection Third Stage: Live in London, a five-disc set that includes a full December 2019 concert on two audio CDs, the full show on DVD, along with a bonus Morsefest show and four music videos on DVD, and a blu-ray with the same contents as both aforementioned DVDs in high definition. That impressive limited edition yearbook package is equaled by the performance and song craft displayed by guitar master Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs, Deep Purple, Kansas), bassist Dave LaRue (Dixie Dregs, Steve Morse Band), keyboardist-vocalist Neal Morse (Spock's Beard, Transatlantic), drummer-vocalist Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) and lead singer-rhythm guitarist Casey McPherson (Alpha Rev) across their actual performance. This is a stellar and spellbinding concert thanks to astounding tracks such as the enthralling opener "Blue Ocean," magnificent "A Place In Your World," dazzling hard rocker "More," melodic acoustic rock offering "You Are Not Alone," elevated "Infinite Fire" and anthemic sing-along "The Storm." Information: FlyingColorsMusic.com.
Title: Across the Barrier of Sound: Postscript (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Game Theory, The Three O'Clock, Big Star, the Loud Family
Tell me more: History is filled with immensely talented top-tier artists who earned the well-deserved accolade of the music press and a dedicated cult following without scoring much-deserved commercial success. Such was the case with Davis, California-spawned Game Theory, a band led by singer-guitarist Scott Miller that released some of the most eclectic and impressive albums of the 1980s. Following Miller's tragic death at the age of 53 in April 2013, Los Angeles label Omnivore Recordings began issuing a series of deluxe reissue editions of a parade of masterworks from Game Theory; now the band's final chapter (1989-90) never previously showcased outside of some rare tour dates is chronicled via the marvelous just-released Across the Barrier of Sound: Postscript. In addition to Miller, this late edition version of the troupe featured bassist-singer Michael Querico (of The Three O'Clock fame), Gil Ray (guitar, keyboards), and Jozef Becker (drums). Across the Barrier of Sound: Postscript features a total of two dozen tracks including a score of terrific demos, live tracks and home recordings. The compilation opens with a powerful home recording of the Beatles' "All My Loving" where Miller sings the first verse completely a cappella. The driving rocker "My Free Ride," wistful home demo of "Go Back To Sleep Little Susie (Aerodeliria)," psychedelia-laced "Forget All About It" and jangle pop jewel "Inverness" are early collection highlights on the collection. The dreamy pop of "Water," acoustic baroque sortie "Even You," the probing "Some Grand Vision" and fiery acoustic home demo of "Idiot Son" hit their mark with equal potency later on the disc. Among the other winning selections on the fantastic disc is a live version of the Monkees' classic "The Door Into Summer" and radio session recording of Miller covering Alex Chilton's Big Star favorite "Back Of A Car." Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Live Baby Live (Eagle Vision)
You might like if you enjoy: INXS
Tell me more: The release of Live Baby Live has provided a magical way to rediscover INXS. Filmed at Wembley Stadium in London, Live Baby Live chronicles the Australian outfit's full-length headlining concert in front of more than 73,000 fans on July 13, 1991. The band was on fire throughout the satisfying set, and the title (available via 4K and HD digital download, 4K Ultra High Definition Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD) looks and sounds fantastic. Indeed, the original 35mm film was completely restored for the debut commercial run shown in theaters around the world in late 2019; additionally the audio was remixed and remastered by Giles Martin and Sam Okell at Abbey Road Studios — the concert is presented in full for the first time and is spectacular. Watching the captivating performance by charismatic singer Michael Hutchence and his five bandmates thrill the crowd for more than 90 minutes, the parade of hits and satisfying deep cuts never falters. Exciting takes on "New Sensation," "Original Sin" (the band's first #1 hit in their native Australia), "Mystify," "Need You Tonight," "Devil Inside" and many more are obvious favorites; the band's powerful dance rocker "Suicide Blonde," soulful "Disappear," acoustic ballad "By My Side" and ornate "Lately" are among the other delights showcased across the film. The physical packages feature new 4K-sourced photography from the show, new notes from the band and an essay by broadcaster and super INXS fan Jamie East, who was in the crowd that day. Information: eagle-rock.com.
Titles: The Rill Thing, King of Rock, Southern Child, The Second Coming, Lifetime Friends (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Little Richard, Prince, James Brown, Vintage Trouble
Tell me more: Little Richard's passing on May 9, 2020 at the age of 87 did little to silence the legacy of one of rock and roll's most gifted and influential founders. Omnivore Recordings issued five essential expanded reissues of some of his finest late career albums and they are glorious. So rather than focus on any single one of the titles, I prefer to celebrate The Rill Thing, King of Rock and Roll, Southern Child, The Second Coming and Lifetime Friends — spanning the years of 1970 to 1986. Not only is the artist sounding better than ever on these titles, but the mix of styles explored is especially impressive. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Artist: Bob Marley
Title: Uprising Live! (Eagle Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, reggae music
Tell me more: In celebration of the 75th birthday of the late reggae great Bob Marley, Eagle Records and the Bob Marley Estate have released Uprising Live! on vinyl for the first time. The classic recording captures a performance on the Jamaica native's "Uprising Tour" that ran through Europe from May to July 1980 with five additional dates in the U.S. in September of that year. Sadly, it was Marley's final tour before his death from cancer in May 1981. He was only 36. Uprising Live! was recorded at Dortmund's Westfalenhalle on June 13, 1980 and is a must have for fans of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. After a short set featuring his backing trio I Threes(Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt), Marley is front and center to perform inspired and riveting versions of many of his most beloved anthems. The intoxicating likes of "Natural Mystic," "Could You Be Loved," "No Woman No Cry," "Exodus," "Redemption Song" and "Get Up, Stand Up" are among the galvanizing performances showcased on the title. In addition to the 3LP being available on black vinyl, a limited-edition colored vinyl release is also available. Marley is widely credited with introducing reggae to millions of fans around the world and his legacy is celebrated spectacularly across Uprising Live! Information: BobMarley.com.
Title: Flaming Pie (Capitol Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, Paul McCartney, Jeff Lynne
Tell me more: Originally released in May 1997, Paul McCartney's wonderful Flaming Pie remains one of his most beloved and treasured solo efforts. Now the classic has arrived as the 13th release in the Paul McCartney Archive Collection, supervised by McCartney and remastered at Abbey Road Studios. The new version sounds incredible; that 2020 edition of Flaming Pie fully delivers on the rich contributions of the slew of talents who joined forces to craft the original LP. Indeed, McCartney, Jeff Lynne and George Martin produced the album's tracks while Geoff Emerick assisted with engineering duties. McCartney, Ringo Starr, Steve Miller, Linda McCartney and son James McCartney were among the notables who played across the 14-track disc. The songs here frequently equal the emotional power, melodic force and spirited exuberence of his Beatles-era classics; listen to the infectious "The World Tonight," reflective baroque pop gem "Someday," the power pop salvo "Young Boy," lovely acoustic ballad "Calico Skies" and ravishing "Little Willow" to be reminded why McCartney is rightly considered one of the greatest recording artists of all time. The two-disc version of Flaming Pie reviewed by this writer features the original album remastered on disc one, while the second disc includes 21 tracks of bonus material including home recordings, demos and rough mixes of the songs that would appear on the final album along with non-album singles from that period. In addition to the 2CD version I have, a 5CD/2DVD/4LP Collector's Edition, 5CD/2DVD Delue Edition and 3LP edition are available. An essential addition to any music lover's library. Information: PaulMcCartney.com.
Title: The Mike & Micky Show (Rhino Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith
Tell me more: Hard to believe, but the Monkees' latest release The Mike & Micky Show marked the first-ever official live album from the '60s hitmakers. While the group's lineup is down to Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith(Davy Jones died in February 2012, while Peter Tork passed away in February 2019). This terrific collection sounds fantastic, with oft-shimmering harmonies, a joyful spirit, timeless strength of songcraft and sparkling storytelling shining across the 25-track set. Dolenz is one of his generation's most gifted lead singers, able to elevate power pop, garage rockers, Americana and tender ballads with equal potency. Even now, his voice remains a wonder as evidenced by top-flight singing on the freewheeling rocker "Mary, Mary," the wistful "For Pete's Safe," jubilant "Pleasant Valley Sunday" and rollicking "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone." Nesmith's strong signature baritone takes center stage on original country-flavored gems including "Sunny Girlfriend," "Listen to the Band," "Sweet Young Thing," "Circle Sky" and "St. Matthew." Together, their duel voices create magic on "Birth of an Accidental Hipster" (a psychedelic gift penned by Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller), country-western original "Papa Gene's Blues," the Ben Gibbard-penned baroque ballad "Me & Magdalena" and inspired "I'm a Believer." Information: monkees.com.
Title: In • Frequencies (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, Carbon Leaf, Brian Wilson
Tell me more: Although groundbreaking Louisville, Kentucky-spawned troupe NRBQ has been recording and releasing music since the late 1960s the band waited until 2020 to issue their first-ever set of rarities and outtakes. In • Frequencies fully delivers on the promise of a stockpile of hidden gems finally seeing the light of day. A brief instrumental recording captured at a soundcheck in 1968 ("Dogwood Winter") opens the collection and the diversity and adventuresome spirit of NRBQ is displayed with equal aplomb on the more than dozen tracks that follow. The band's mastery of an infinite of genres is exhibited; jazz ("Get Real," "Love Came To Me"), swing revival ("That's All"), progressive folk ("Sho' Need Love,"), R&B (the New Orleans-mining "We'll Make Love"), power pop ("It's a Wild Weekend"), art damage ("Everybody's Smokin' "), country blues ("Sourpuss") and genre-defying nuggets ("Orioles," "Let Me Tell You 'Bout My Girl") resonate across the myriad of styles and decades represented. All but four of the selections on In • Frequencies are previously unissued. The packaging includes insightful liner notes, commentary and photographs. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Wildflowers & All the Rest (Warner Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Tell me more: From the rousing rocker "You Wreck Me" and gorgeous ballad "Crawling Back to You" to the shimmering Byrds-flavored "A Higher Place," the material across Tom Petty's Wildflowers & All the Rest reveals a sophistication, ambition and unadulterated diversity that is a reminder how great the 1994 album Wildflowers was. The expanded Wildflowers & All the Rest includes all 25 songs originally envisioned to be part of a double album; standouts on "All The Rest" (disc 2) include the dreamy "Something Could Happen," melodious "Leave Virginia Alone," Southern fried blues rocker "Confusion Wheel," Americana foray "Harry Green" and genre-busting "Climb That Hill." There are several deluxe configurations of the title available; I have the 4-disc version which includes a disc of home recordings and another disc of tracks from Wildflowers performed live. Information: TomPetty.com.
Title: Goats Head Soup 2020 (Interscope Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Mick Taylor
Tell me more: Listening to the remastered reissue of The Rolling Stones' 1973 classic Goats Head Soup (released on Sept. 4, 2020) is to gain a far greater appreciation of the masterwork. The freewheeling opener "Dancing With Mr D," volcanic "100 Years Ago," edgy "Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)," sentimental ballad "Angie," rollicking "Silver Train," rowdy "Star Star" and other timeless songs introduced to the world 47 years ago remain an essential part of the British band's legacy. What's more, the bonus material from the period available for the first time adds depth to the 2020 reissue. Three previously-unheard studio tracks ("Criss Cross," "All The Rage" and "Scarlet") are also revealed; "Scarlet" is the jewel here, a signature-styled Stones blues rocker featuring guests Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist Rick Grech (of Blind Faith) joining for an especially enticing collaboration. Another standout is a demo of "100 Years Ago" featuring Mick Jagger singing the cut to the lone accompaniment of piano. That bonus disc of unreleased tracks features a number of great unissued mixes by Rolling Stones insider and celebrated producer Glyn Johns. A third disc in the box set editions includes "Brussels Affair," a 15-track live concert recorded in Belgium in 1973. That fiery concert set, mixed by Bob Clearmountain, was previously only available in The Rolling Stones' "official bootleg" series of live recordings in 2012. The Goats Head Soup reissue is available in multiple configurations, including four-disc CD and vinyl box set editions. Those deluxe box sets offer the original 10-track album in 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res mixes, along with the videos for several of the songs. An exclusive 100-page book with captivating images from the era and details about the recording of the album as well as the iconic album artwork is also included. Information: RollingStones.com.
Title: Steel Wheels Live – Atlantic City, New Jersey (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, John Lee Hooker
Tell me more: While The Rolling Stones had to postpone their 15-date "No Filter" tour of North America in the spring and summer of 2020 because of the coronavirus outbreak, fans of the British rockers can catch up on the band's historic legacy via Steel Wheels Live – Atlantic City, New Jersey multiple format title. The previously-unreleased December 1989 concert film is the latest release from the Rolling Stones' rich archives; it has been completely restored, remixed and remastered – it looks and sounds great. The performance is a fine one to be sure, with the band's marathon-length set a mix of hits and choice selections (including "Mixed Emotions" and "Rock and a Hard Place") off their acclaimed comeback Steel Wheels album released a few months before the concert date. The fast-moving set includes a fiery "Bitch," R&B-flavored "Harlem Shuffle," playful "Miss You," freewheeling "Can't Be Seen" (featuring Keith Richards' lead vocals), magnificent "Gimme Shelter" and many more. As if the Stones' talents alone were not great enough the special night featured some high-profile guests joining Richards, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, and Bill Wyman; Guns N' Roses' singer Axl Rose and guitarist Izzy Stradlin joined the band for their first-ever live performance of "Salt Of The Earth" (from 1968's Beggars Banquet album); Eric Clapton unleashes some impressive guitar work on "Little Red Rooster" before bluesman John Lee Hooker takes center stage for an inspired "Boogie Chillen." Backing vocalist Lisa Fischer and saxophone master Bobby Keys shine throughout the show. Information: Eagle-Rock.com.
Title: The Pilgrim: A Wall-To-Wall Odyssey (BMG Books)
You might like if you enjoy: Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, Ralph Stanley, Johnny Cash
Tell me more: At 192 pages and weighing well over three pounds, the astounding hardcover title The Pilgrim: A Wall-To-Wall Odyssey fully expands and sheds light anew on country icon Marty Stuart's brilliant The Pilgrim. Released in 1999, The Pilgrim was Stuart's 10th album and marked a true artistic turning point for the artist. In addition to Stuart's considerable talents as singer-songwriter and musician, he is joined by the likes of Emmylou Harris, Pam Tillis, George Jones and Johnny Cash on the ambitious album inspired by true events that occurred in his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi. The lushly-illustrated coffee table volume features countless details about the recording of the project and what the seminal album has meant to Stuart's celebrated career; additionally, the title is enhanced by the inclusion of an audio CD featuring the original album along with 10 unreleased bonus tracks. Information: www.bmg.com.
Title: Pictures From Life's Other Side: The Man and His Music in Rare Recordings and Photos (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, traditional country music
Tell me more: In addition to the wonderful edition of Marty Stuart's The Pilgrim: A Wall-To-Wall Odyssey, BMG released the equally-crucial Hank Williams table-top book Pictures From Life's Other Side: The Man and His Music in Rare Recordings and Photos. The book includes more than 200 photos (many never-before-seen!) of the late country music hero as well as six full-length audio CDs of remastered performances pulled from his "Mother's Best" radio series. More than 65 years after his death at the age of 29 on New Year's Day in 1953, Williams remains among the most influential and important country music artists of all time. This splendid coffee table book – that comes in a slipcase and is bolstered by a treasure trove of audio recordings – serves as an enduring reminder that Williams classics such as "Cold Cold Heart," "Lovesick Blues," "I Saw the Light," "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and many more set a template for country music and Americana styles that live on in 2020. Information: www.bmg.com.
Title: Orange Crate Art (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, Burt Bacharach
Tell me more: Fans of The Beach Boys' most adventuresome music will want to get the wonderful 25th anniversary reissue of Orange Crate Art, the ambitious 1994 collaboration between icon Brian Wilson and producer-arranger Van Dyke Parks. It is a wonderful companion to 2011's The Smile Sessions, a project that completed the Beach Boys album SMiLE (that was originally recorded in 1966 and 1967 but never completed; that LP was composed by Wilson with Dyke Parks providing the lyrics). Orange Crate Art features a collection of genre-defying songs penned by Parks, who recruited Wilson back into the studio to sing the songs; this was no easy task since Wilson was coached to sing lead vocals and all harmony vocals on the songs (just listen to "Palm Tree and Moon" and "Summer in Monterey"). This is an outstanding album of songs that collectively celebrate the mythical Southern California of yesterday; the Baroque pop title track, Beach Boys-flavored "Sail Away" and lounge chamber pop "My Hobo Heart" are early highlights. The artful rocker "San Francisco," Calypso-tinged "Hold Back Time," orchestral pop gem "Movies Is Magic" and Americana mining "This Town Goes Down at Sunset" capture the bold and zealous spirit of this truly original and captivating title. The end of the first disc includes three previously-unissued session outtakes. A second disc on the 2-CD package features 11 instrumental versions of the songs heard on the first disc. Orange Crate Art is available as a 2-CD or 2-LP vinyl set. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Somebody Up There Likes Me (Eagle Rock Films)
You might like if you enjoy: The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, The Faces
Tell me more: "Somebody Up There Likes Me" is a Mike Figgis-directed film tracing guitar great Ronnie Wood's 50-year career as a member of The Birds, The Jeff Beck Group, The Faces and The Rolling Stones. The documentary film will be released in North America as a virtual cinema event starting on Sept. 18 and is now available on Blu-ray and DVD courtesy of Eagle Rock Entertainment. The documentary features brand new interviews with Wood's long-time Rolling Stones band mates Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts, as well as his Faces band mate Rod Stewart, his wife Sally Wood and several other notable players in the music industry. In addition to a wealth of interviews, the documentary features performance segments of Wood playing guitar and harmonica, as well as footage of him painting in the studio (he has increasingly become celebrated for his fine paintings). The pacing of the film is wonderful, with segments of quiet beauty where Wood is immersed creating art in his studio intermixed with historic and recent performance footage along with a wealth of revealing interviews touching on his hardships (including abusing himself with addictions to drugs, heavy smoking and alcohol) and successes (beating cancer and emphysema, discovering a love of music early in life). "He's as tough as nails," Richards says of Wood in one interview. What the film ultimately reveals is how Wood also has a profound gratitude for the music, people and fateful events in his life that have made it so rich. Information: RonnieWoodMovie.com.
Title: Homegrown (Reprise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young, Nils Lofgren, Bob Dylan
Tell me more: When it comes to tales of long lost musical treasures, it's tough to beat the backstory of Neil Young's latest offering Homegrown released on June 19, 2020. Originally set for release in 1975, Homegrown was recorded between June 1974 and January 1975. Indeed, Young himself cancelled the initial commercial release of Homegrown. Is the album worth the more than 45-year wait? To be sure. Things commence with the wonderfully-ragged "Separate Ways," a mix of rootsy rock and alternative country stylings. A feel good and positive "Try" follows, a romantic invitation whose lyricism is the equal of the track's sweet-tempered grace. Another joyful standout is "White Line," where Young's acoustic delivery is enhanced by some sweet lead guitar work from Robbie Robertson sprinkled artfully throughout. A quiet and inviting "Star of Bethlehem," embellished with Young's gentle harmonica play and additional lovely vocals from Emmylou Harris bolster the LP closer. The overall feel and tone of the album is alt country, with Young mixing that soundscape with injections of the blues ("We Don't Smoke It No More"), spoken word narration ("Florida"), rock ("Vacancy") and folk ("Kansas"). "Mexico" and "Little Wing" — songs that Young delivers alone — are particularly affecting. There is a profound elegance displayed via the songs, stellar musicianship and the resplendent sound of the 12 memorable tracks lovingly restored from the original master tapes by John Hanlon. Information: NeilYoungArchives.com.
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Artist: John LennonTitle: Gimme Some Truth (Capitol Records)
You might like if you enjoy: John Lennon, The Beatles
Tell me more: In celebration of what would have been John Lennon's 80th birthday, Capitol/UMe released Gimme Some Truth on Oct. 9, 2020. Released via several configurations (including a Deluxe 2CD/Blu-ray edition that includes a 124-page book and much more), the 2CD version I have revisits three dozen of the artist's most beloved solo songs, all upgraded via the work of engineer Paul Hicks, engineer Sam Gannon and mastering pro Alex Wharton at Abbey Road Studios. Listening to these glorious new mixes is to be swept up again by Lennon's monumental talent as a singer-songwriter able to address love, loss, social justice, marriage, world peace, racism, feminism and a myriad of other topics with a brutal honesty that rings true long after his tragic death in December 1980. The range of songs astound even today; the timeless rocker "Instant Karma!," sparse "Working Class Hero," intimate "Love," adored "Imagine," stirring "Oh My Love" and timely "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" are among this writer's favorites. Gimme Some Truth is available as a 19-track CD or 2LP, a 36-track 2CD, or 4 LP, the aforementioned Deluxe edition, and several digital versions for download and streaming including in 24 bit/96 KHz audio and hi-res Dolby Atmos. Information: JohnLennon.com.
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